Liverpool today officially waved goodbye to midfielder Joe Allen who joins Stoke City for a fee in the region of £13M.
The reds accepted a bid from Stoke towards the end of last week and Joe, instead of travelling to the US to join up with his Liverpool teammates, travelled to meet Mark Hughes and to agree personal terms.
He had his medical Monday morning.
Swansea City had been linked with their former player but failed to place an acceptable bid.
Joe Allen was one of Brendan Rodgers' first signings at Anfield in the summer of 2012 when he brought the then 22 year old from the Swans for £15M.
But Joe never really caught fire at Anfield and spent most of his first period at Anfield nicknamed somewhat unaffectionately by the fans as 'sideways' - a reference to the direction of most of his passes.
The arrival of Emre Can and James Milner and a mini-resurgence by Lucas Leiva saw him fall down the pecking order and the arrival of Jurgen Klopp did improve his game - unfortunately as something of an impact substitute rather than a first team regular.
His Liverpool contract was due to expire next summer.
Speaking to Stoke City's media department he said:
'I can't wait to get things started. (This move) came relatively out of the blue. The offer was accepted (by Liverpool) and things have moved quickly since then. I can't wait to get out now and meet the lads out in Florida and get the football underway.
'Mark Hughes sold the club to me in terms of their ambition. They are looking upwards. So I was happy to become a part of that.
He was asked how difficult it was to leave Liverpool - Jurgen wanted to keep you but you wanted first team football didn't you.
'Yes - it was for that reason. As soon as I knew an opportunity like this was there for me it was easy to make that move. My ambition is to be a regular here now.'
In total Joe played 132 times for Liverpool - and scored 7 goals.
Joe Allen at Liverpool
[table id=5 /]He will now fly out to the other side of the US - to Florida, where Stoke are currently doing their pre-season training.
Good luck in your future career.
VIDEO: Joe Allen joins Stoke
The Wales international spent four seasons at Anfield after switching from Swansea for illion, and leaves to join compatriot Mark Hughes at Stoke in a deal. The 26-year-old, who only had a year remaining on his Liverpool contract, was open to staying but Reds manager Jurgen Klopp could not guarantee him regular game time.
Joe had ability but sadly in four seasons did not show it enough.
From a first team regular at 22 to a sub at 26.
Passing, tackling, creating, shooting. He got by with them all but didn’t excel. Now… Has anyone bid for Henderson yet?
Well said..and.you are dead right on Henderson. I can’t wait for spurs to bid for Henderson. Such an.overrated player. He can’t make one decent pass and definitely not a captain material. 20 million dalglish paid for him down the drain…hopefully we can get back at least half we paid.
Fantastic brill footballer so pleased great character what else can I say
Mack